Sounds Profitable

With apologies to G.I. Joe, half the battle of podcasting is not the changes in technology, but keeping up with changes to the audience. Tom Webster digs into the “neglected half” of the work of podcasting.Written by Tom WebsterEdited by Bryan BarlettaAudio edited by Gavin GaddisHosted by SpreakerSounds Profitable: Narrated Articles is a production of Sounds Profitable. For more information, visit soundsprofitable.com.

Here's what you need to know for today in the business of podcasting: Apple’s New iOS 17 Software Is A Positive Step For Podcast Advertisers And Content Creators John Wordock and Pierre BouvardTriton Digital US Podcast Report 2023Audiobooks Are Booming. Spotify Wants in on the Action by Alexandra AlterThe Results Are In: Here’s What Americans Streamed in 2023 by John KoblinAmazon rolls out ads on Prime Video by Jasmine Sheena…as for the rest of the news: Ari Paparo interviews Spotify’s Per Sandell to discuss the company’s targeting and adtech, Linkfire announces Engaged Listeners metric for Apple Podcasts, branded podcast production Pop by Pacific Content launches, and MediaPost interviews Ad Results Media's Gretchen Smith about podcast advertising.

Apple introduces automated transcription on its podcast platform. ESPN plans to air podcasts on ESPN2. George Carlin's estate sues podcasters over an AI-generated comedy special. Amazon surpasses Better Help as top podcast spender. Wondery debuts a new toy line inspired by Wow in the World.

Guest Tom Webster, a podcasting expert, discusses the release of Sounder's OpenAPI and how podcast networks are testing AI tools. They also analyze the ratings of Apple podcasts and the effectiveness of YouTube ads. The chapter concludes with a quick hit segment.

Here's what you need to know for today in the business of podcasting: Unlocking the Value of Audio Content: Why Open APIs Are a Game-Changer (featuring Bryan Barletta, Partner at Sounds Profitable)The “Why” of Your Podcast by Tom WebsterMore gambling ad spend goes to TV than all other formats combined by Sara LebowNPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era by David Folkenflik…as for the rest of the news: Audacy projects ambitious revenue growth in streaming and podcasting for the year, and Paramount announces Jon Stewart will return as executive producer and Monday host of The Daily Show.

Here's what you need to know for today in the business of podcasting:Most streaming music tracks do not reach monetisation threshold by Ella SagarBrands Are Getting Shy On DEI, But Reaching Diverse Audiences Is Still Good Business by Anthony VargasWhy Personalized Ads Go Wrong And How To Do Them Right by Hana Yoo…as for the rest of the news: Magellan has published their rankings of top podcast advertisers for December 2023, Brian Morrissey reflects on what media publishing might look like if the current billionaire-supported model falls apart, and Sounder has a free live webinar next Tuesday with Bryan Barletta on open APIs.

Understanding the 'why' behind listeners' choices, the importance of aligning goals, and exploring the different reasons behind audience engagement in podcasting.

Here's what you need to know for today in the business of podcasting: How podcast networks are testing AI tools for faster translation, ad sales by Sara GuaglioneI analyzed 28.5 million Apple Podcasts star ratings by Dan MisenerParamount Won’t Return to TV’s Upfront Week in New York by Brian SteinbergAre awards worth it for Canadian podcasts? By Kattie LaurLUMA: 2024 Will Be Better For M&A (No, Seriously This Time) by Allison SchiffSound will no longer be an afterthought

Here's what you need to know for today in the business of podcasting: Not All Podcast Ads are Created Equal. Here's Why by Kedric WallsSports has a Gen Z problemAre Podcasts Cool (Again)?Hot Pod Interviews NPC Podcast Chief Collin Campbell…as for the rest of the news: amplifi’s Steven Goldstein writes The Truth About Podcasting’s Measurement Makeover, PodBean’s final free live event of “Podcast Launch Month” is this Thursday, and healthcare is projected to invest over $36 billion in U.S. advertising this year (which podcasting could get a cut of).

Here's what you need to know from this week in the business of podcasting.Podcast Download: Disconnect Between Ad Creative and Audience ExpectationsTikTok on Skippable Ads, Becoming Search DestinationCommunication is Key in PodcastingPodcasting Grows at SXSWQuick HitsWhile they may not be top story material, the articles below from this week are definitely worth your time:The 25th Hour by Tom Webster. This week in the Sounds Profitable newsletter, Tom explains how Duolingo, rocks, and sand can help podcasting reach potential listeners who feel they don’t have enough time for podcasts.Podcasting Pioneer Shares His 3 Biggest Tips for Success . This week on How Success Happens, Bryan Barletta joins to discuss how companies can set themselves up for success when dipping their toes into podcasting.Australians downloaded more than 1 billion podcasts in 2023. According to the December Australian Podcast Ranker from Triton Digital and Commercial Radio & Audio, Australia's top 200 Australian podcasts were downloaded more than a billion times last year, representing a 26% year over year increase.Can programmatic help podcasts find the money? By Damian Fowler. Programmatic advertising made up 1 in 10 revenue ad dollars for podcasting last year, while forms of other digital media had 9 out of 10 come from programmatic. This piece looks at ways programmatic could have a path forward in increasing its growth rate with podcasts.Flightpath Premieres First-of-its-Kind Campaign Prediction One Year Into the Future. Flightpath’s new availability engine aims to elevate transparency and control, as well as allow advertisers and creators to plan up to a year in the future with confidence.ALIVE Podcast Network and Barometer Partner to Drive Equitable Monetization for Black Creators and Media Owners. The new partnership between ALIVE Podcast Network and Barometer aims to challenge historical disenfranchisement faced by creators of diverse backgrounds.